You Who Knew Me Best I met a man on a narrow path, between two crushing walls of rusting iron. His eyes traced mine, but neither stopped. Onrushing we came though glance or gesture neither shared. No hate or rage or hand upraised, but on we charged, as waves through constricting canyons. And onto blades we threw ourselves. Dying then we shared a kiss, though air was scarce for names, and forgiveness flowed in curling streams, down to a sunless sea.

Starter I struggle with beginnings, I prevaricate over first steps and slip on bottom rungs. Imagined or not, pitfalls are avoided, detours are taken and diversions enacted. They tell me the start is the best part, boots on the trail and eyes on new skies, I wouldn’t know, all I see is the path, and the shelving away of the drop below. Own A painting lived here before me, claiming dust's protection and a patina of distinction. It had the bedroom next to mine, the wall without

A View From Above When I'm gone remember me in sunshine, and the hum of mountain bees. See me in the surging foam, and windswept crashing seas. Think of me in moonlight that casts the shadows long, and sing of me in drifting bars of old and rowdy songs. Hear me in the laughing wind that shakes the bows above, and know that you can call me back, with all the power of your love.

Weather The back of your knees is tidal, the sun comes up and sea rolls in. You've never seen a man drown on land, but here you sit submerged, legs swinging and soul sweating, praying for swimming lessons, in a midday meeting. Watch One shouldn't compare, but here's a comparison machine. We're all in our own race, but here's me crossing the finish. You'd have thought we'd be better at this, but apes we are, and there's others with fruit, and it's no more than that.

Rhythm Tonight is empty, for tonight I am alone. No figure fidgets in half-remembered dreams. No body heats my side like dragon flame. Tonight I have space to stretch, my feet will not hit a knee or poked out paw. I hear no whispered jokes and answer no quiet questions. I will not get up to get you water. Tonight I should sleep well, but I will not. Tonight I cannot dance away in dreams, for tonight I miss my partner.